IKV has developed a method to recycle PET bottles with PA barrier layer

IKV has developed a method to recycle PET bottles with PA barrier layer

Recyclate from post-consumer PET bottles containing a polyamide barrier layer could find a new market in plastic strapping tapes. The key is a new carbonyl-bis-caprolactam (CBC) compatibilising agent from DSM, introduced in commercial quantities in 2003. Germany’s IKV plastics processing institute is using the agent to prepare PET/PA block copolymers from the bottle waste, using two extruders operating in a cascade.

IKV said the market for plastic strapping increased by 73.8% or E128.6m between 1987 and 1997, while steel strapping has declined by 11.7% or E38.6m in the same period. Until now virgin PET has been used to make PET strapping. IKV said recycled PET/PA bottle waste would meet requirements in terms of colour and purity.

DSM’s Allinco CBC product is marketed as a chain extension agent for PET and PA as an alternative to solid-state post-condensation. It has so far been aimed at applications including the conversion of single-polymer PET and PA yarn and fibres into strapping materials.

Austrian strapping producer Teufelberger and machinery supplier Reimotec are the other partners in the project.